The 2011 Sonata Hybrid has a face only a mother could love, but not many can argue with its fuel economy ratings of 37 mpg (city), 40 mpg (highway)

New Sonata Hybrid undercuts similar offerings from Toyota, Ford

Back in late March, Hyundai announced
two additional variants of its popular Sonata midsize sedan: the
Hybrid and a more powerful 2.0t (turbocharged) model. While the
Sonata 2.0t has already hit dealer lots, the Hybrid will soon be
making its way to consumers.

Ahead of the official public launch,
Hyundai has announced
pricing for the Sonata Hybrid. The base price of the vehicle will
be a relatively low $26,545 including destination fee. This compares
favorably against the Toyota Camry Hybrid ($27,335) and the Ford
Fusion Hybrid ($28,990).

The Sonata Hybrid is capable of
achieving 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (37 mpg combined). For
comparison, the aforementioned Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid
are capable of 31/35 and 41/36 respectively.

“Sonata Hybrid offers something new
to the mid-size sedan segment, with its segment-leading 40-mpg
highway fuel economy rating, differentiated appearance, and
incredible value,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America
president and CEO. “Like the 2.4L direct-injected Sonata and the
2.0L Sonata Turbo launched earlier this year, Sonata Hybrid
demonstrates Hyundai’s unique approach melding innovative
technologies and emotional design into products more and more people
want to put in their driveways.”

The Sonata Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter
direct-injection gasoline engine that has been modified to run on the
Atkinson Cycle along with a standard six-speed automatic transmission
instead of a CVT that is traditionally used with hybrids. In
addition, the Sonata Hybrid uses a lighter lithium-polymer battery
pack instead of the NiMH batteries used in the Camry Hybrid and
Fusion Hybrid.

While the base Sonata Hybrid undercuts
the competition, a higher-spec "Premium" model will also be
available for $31,545. This trim level adds 17" wheels,
panoramic sunroof, navigation system, rear backup
camera, and leather seating.